West Haven Election 2023: Colleen O'Connor Running For City Council

WEST HAVEN, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in West Haven with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 7 and cast their ballots for the position of mayor, along with seats on the City Council, Board of Education and more.

West Haven Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Colleen O'Connor, 57, is running for re-election to the West Haven City Council as an Independent candidate.

What office are you seeking?

Council At Large

Please give us your party affiliation.

Republican but running on the Independent Line

Education.

West Haven High School Class of 1984 bachelor's degree from Albertus Mangus

What is your occupation?

Sales Associate

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

I have 2 sons Rob and Ray both who graduated from West Haven High School.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Only me

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

If reelected, it will be my third term on the West Haven City Council.

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

Since I was a little girl, I have wanted to help make West Haven just a little bit better than it already is. I enjoy solving problems and helping people.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is \_\_\_, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Quality of life issues, work alongside my fellow council members to help make things better for all.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am a lifelong Westie who has no personal agenda. I want to make a difference for all of West Haven. My job is to help Allingtown, the Center and West Shore with no exceptions.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

I would love to see more economic development in West Haven. We need to generate more interest in people willing to invest money in our beautiful city.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have proven that I can reach across the aisle to work with everyone to solve the problem in front of us. I am a team player who does what is best for West Haven.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Never trust a guy that says, "Trust me!"

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My phone is always on, if you have a problem or concern, please call so we can discuss it.

Are you running for office in West Haven? Email vincent.salzo@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile on West Haven Patch.